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Review
. 2018 Mar 25;3(2):110-114.
doi: 10.1002/lio2.147. eCollection 2018 Apr.

Odontogenic sinusitis: A review of the current literature

Ryan E Little  1   2 , Christopher M Long  1   2 , Todd A Loehrl  1   2 , David M Poetker  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Odontogenic sinusitis: A review of the current literature

Ryan E Little et al. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. .

Abstract

Objectives: To present current literature on the topic of odontogenic sinusitis.

Data source: PubMed literature search for odontogenic sinusitis.

Results: Odontogenic sinusitis is an inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses that is the result of dental pathology, most often resulting from prior dentoalveolar procedures, infections of maxillary dentition, or maxillary dental trauma. Infections are often polymicrobial with an anaerobe-predominant microbiome requiring special considerations for antimicrobial therapy. Medical management and treatment of the underlying dental pathology remains a critical initial step in the treatment of odontogenic sinusitis, however recent literature suggests that a significant portion of patients may require endoscopic sinus surgery for successful disease resolution.

Conclusions: This review describes the essential epidemiological and etiological factors, relevant clinical findings and diagnostic modalities, microbiologic and antimicrobial considerations, as well as the medical and surgical treatment approaches commonly utilized for the management of odontogenic sinusitis.

Level of evidence: NA.

Keywords: Odontogenic sinusitis; dental infection; maxillary sinusitis; periapical abscess; rhinosinusitis of dental etiology.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Endoscopic examination of the left nasal cavity and left middle turbinate demonstrating purulent fluid in the middle meatus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Panoramic radiography showing a two‐dimensional representation of the curved surfaces of the maxilla and evidence of dental restorations in a patient with odontogenic sinusitis (see Fig. 3).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Computerized tomography (CT) in a coronal plane of a patient with odontogenic sinusitis demonstrating complete opacification of the left maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses with associated involvement of the ostiomeatal unit. There is a periapical radiolucency of the left maxillary first molar. Please note, this is the same patient as in Figure 2, taken a week apart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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